Reading Assignment for Section 5.2
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 5.2: Experimental Designs.
What You Will Learn
In this section, you’ll understand the principles of causality in social research and the advantages of experimental methods in establishing causal relationships. You’ll learn about basic experimental design, including random sample drawing and group assignment, and how variations arise due to limitations and design complexities. You’ll explore different types of experimental designs classified by Campbell and Stanley, such as pre-experimental, quasi-experimental, and true experimental designs. Additionally, you’ll comprehend the importance of randomization and control levels in enhancing the validity and trustworthiness of experimental results. You’ll develop the ability to identify and address inherent weaknesses in pre-experimental designs and recognize the ethical implications of choosing methodologically strong designs to ensure reliable and valid research outcomes.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 5.2
- SLO 1: Understand the principles of causality in social research and the superiority of experimental methods in establishing causal relationships, including basic experimental design with random sample drawing and group assignment, and variations due to limitations and design complexities.
- SLO 2: Learn about different types of experimental designs classified by Campbell and Stanley, such as pre-experimental, quasi-experimental, and true experimental designs, and comprehend the importance of randomization and control levels in enhancing the validity and trustworthiness of experimental results.
- SLO 3: Develop the ability to identify and address inherent weaknesses in pre-experimental designs, such as the lack of control over extraneous variables and the challenge of establishing causality, and recognize the ethical implications of choosing methodologically strong designs to ensure reliable and valid research outcomes.
Modification History File Created: 07/25/2024 Last Modified: 07/25/2024
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